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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Network Strategy Lead - **Company:** South East Water - **Location:** Aldershot, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £60,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Complex Networks, Data Presentation, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Network Architecture, Network Control, Performance Tuning, Prism (Software), Computer Network Operations, Data Strategy, Data Analytics, Real Time Data - **Published:** May 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=a780101b24aaaa05 ## About the Role Do you have experience in Production planning?, * Academic Excellence: Degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Data Science, or a technical discipline. * Sector Expertise: Extensive experience in high-stakes production planning, ideally within the Utilities or Water sector. * Leadership: A proven track record of organisational design-building, mentoring, and scaling technical teams. Skills & Experience * Advanced Analytics: Mastery of predictive modelling and data synthesis to translate raw SCADA/Prism telemetry into actionable long-term strategy. * Strategic Diplomacy: Exceptional influencing skills with the ability to navigate boardroom-level discussions and gain buy-in from cross-functional stakeholders. * Systems Thinking: Deep expertise in resource optimisation, balancing short-term tactical volatility with multi-year asset health goals. * Sector Expertise: Extensive experience in high-stakes production planning, ideally within the Utilities or Water sector. * Narrative Data Presentation: A sophisticated ability to distil complex risk profiles and performance metrics into clear, executive-level narratives. ## Description The Network Strategy Lead is a senior technical leadership position responsible for the architectural integrity and operational resilience of the distribution network. This role serves as the bridge between strategic hydraulic modelling and real-time field execution. As a founding leader within the Central Operations function, you will be tasked with designing and implementing a world-class network control framework that minimises service interruptions and maximises asset performance. You will act as the ultimate technical authority for network operations, transitioning the business from a reactive stance to a proactive, data-driven strategy. This role involves the high-level mentoring of Network Controllers and the integration of "Smart Network" technologies into daily operational workflows to protect customer service and water quality., Network Architecture & Strategic Governance * Control Function Design: Lead the development and implementation of the Network Control Room's standard operating procedures, ensuring a seamless interface between telemetry and field activity. * Strategic Sign-off: Serve as the final technical authority within the Outage Management System (OMS) for all below-ground assets, ensuring every planned intervention is risk-assessed against hydraulic constraints. * Zonal Strategy Ownership: Collaborate with Asset Management and Modelling teams to ensure the long-term investment strategy addresses network vulnerabilities and constant-supply risks. * Smart Networks Integration: Drive the delivery of Smart Network initiatives, utilising IoT sensors and advanced analytics to improve network visibility and predictive maintenance. Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation; Operational Resilience & Incident Command * Hydraulic Situational Awareness: Act as the primary technical lead during major incidents, synthesising real-time data to provide field teams with precise, validated valving instructions. * Impact Mitigation: Perform rapid hydraulic impact assessments during reactive events to prevent secondary issues such as pressure surges, air ingress, or water quality discolouration. * Contingency Planning: Architect robust, data-driven contingency plans and "Alternative Water" strategies to ensure service continuity during asset failure or high-demand periods. * Performance Optimisation: Continuously analyse network performance against strategic plans, identifying trends and implementing comprehensive Interruption Improvement Plans. Leadership & Technical Mentorship * Capability Building: Coach and mentor Network Controllers, elevating the team's technical proficiency in hydraulic interpretation and risk-based decision-making. * Cross-Functional Direction: Bridge the gap between the Control Centre and Field Distribution teams, providing the technical "North Star" for operational adjustments. * Executive Reporting: Distil complex network risks and performance metrics into high-level reports for the Executive Board, justifying strategic interventions and capital spend. Note on Flexibility: The nature of a strategic network role requires high levels of agility. The incumbent must be prepared to adapt strategies in real-time to account for climate-driven demand shifts, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory targets. ## Related Videos - [What makes Cybersecurity different for critical infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/571-what-makes-cybersecurity-different-for-critical-infrastructure) - [Hacking Your Vacation: Using Data for Fun](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/585-hacking-your-vacation-using-data-for-fun) - [PySpark - Combining Machine Learning & Big Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/44-pyspark-combining-machine-learning-big-data) - [Python-Based Data Streaming Pipelines Within Minutes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1233-python-based-data-streaming-pipelines-within-minutes) - [Data Governance in the Era of AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1622-data-governance-in-the-era-of-ai) - [Data Analytics with Microsoft Fabric: End-to-End Use Case with Data Agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1547-data-analytics-with-microsoft-fabric-end-to-end-use-case-with-data-agents) ## Related Articles - [Data Engineer Salary UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/253-data-engineer-salary-uk) - [Data Analyst Salary in the UK](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/278-data-analyst-salary-in-the-uk) - [Software Engineer Salary London](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/252-software-engineer-salary-london) - [A Guide to Green Tech and Green IT Careers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/374-a-guide-to-green-tech-and-green-it-careers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)